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IBM Patents Changing Color of E-Mail Text

Posted by timothy on from the how-very-precious dept.

theodp writes "Last week, the USPTO granted IBM a patent for its 'System and method for comprehensive automatic color customization in an email message based on cultural perspective.' So what exactly did the four Big Blue inventors come up with? IBM explains: 'For example, an email created in the US in red font to indicate urgency or emphasis might be mapped to a more appropriate color (e.g., blue or black) for sending to Korea.' IBM took advantage of the USPTO's Accelerated Examination Program to fast-track the patent's approval. BTW, if you missed the 2006 press release, IBM boasted it was 'holding itself to a higher standard than any law requires because it's urgent that patent quality is improved.'"

4 of 132 comments (clear)

  1. Colour in email? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    But who would see colour anyway? Is this another Windows thing?

  2. Re:But... wait... by commodoresloat · · Score: 5, Funny

    Perfect idea! I just *want* more of those emails embedded inside bloat html for no reason!

    <x-html>
    <!x-stuff-for-pete base="" src="" id="0" charset=""><DIV></DIV><w:fonts> <w:defaultFonts w:h-ansi="Times New Roman" w:cs="Times New Roman"/> </w:fonts> <w:docPr/> <w:body> <wx:sect> <w:p> <w:pPr/> <w:r> <w:rFonts w:h-ansi="Helvetica" w:cs="Helvetica"/>
    <w:t>I agree.</w:t> </w:r> </w:p> <w:pgSz w:w="12240" w:h="15840"/> <w:pgMar w:top="1440" w:right="1440" w:bottom="1440" w:left="1440"/> </w:sectPr> </wx:sect> </w:body>

  3. Black is the New Red by skywire · · Score: 4, Funny

    I know when I'm emailing my Korean friends, I always switch from the default black to black when I really want get their attention.

    --
    Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.
  4. Re: communication barrier by az1324 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hmm.. so that's why Kim Jong-il doesn't respond to our urgent messages.